Republican Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey said Tuesday that he experienced severe depression that required a long-term stay in the hospital, keeping him away from Washington more than 100 days.
Kean announced his previously undisclosed health condition in highly anticipated floor remarks Tuesday, acknowledging it was “not an easy speech to give” but that he felt he owed his constituents and colleagues an explanation after months of keeping them in the dark.
Speaking to a near-empty House chamber on Tuesday, Kean offered the first account of where he had been during the last several months. It began with the diagnosis of depression early this spring — and required months of treatment.
“Several months ago, due to health concerns, I entered the hospital,” Kean said. “I did not believe that this would result in a long-term stay. I was given the diagnosis of depression.”
“The doctors recommended that I remain in the hospital to address my illness,” Kean added, noting that he was initially hesitant to remain hospitalized — but that he ultimately chose to stay. During that recovery, Kean’s office had previously promised he’d return in a few weeks, but that timeline came and went.
